Next week 194 countries will gather in Doha, Qatar in the Middle East to discuss climate change. Among those in attendance, Secaucus Environmental Chair Amanda Nesheiwat plans to represent Secaucus. She was selected to attend as part of a youth delegation with nonprofit SustainUS.

“I really couldn’t be more proud of representing Secaucus at the upcoming conference,” said Nesheiwat during the Nov. 13 Town Council meeting. “Meteorologists and climatologists have already confirmed that the intensity of Hurricane Sandy actually came from the five degree increase in the surface of our oceans.”

During the conference, countries will discuss how to reduce CO2 emissions and Nesheiwat said she will speak about local sustainability initiatives such as the use of hybrid vehicles, solar projects, and the ban on Styrofoam.

“We want to get rid of single-use items,” said Nesheiwat. “We don’t want our children growing up in an overwhelmingly contaminated environment.”

She advocated for residents to make decisions to choose to “use a different cup” or asking for their food to be wrapped in wax paper or a paper container.

“We can absolutely change and transform ourselves and transition into a sustainable community,” noted Nesheiwat.

“The things that you’re coming up [with] even on a small scale here…it certainly sends the right message,” said Mayor Michael Gonnelli. “We are certainly proud of what you are doing.”

Holiday Hudson Reporter advertising deadlines

Because of the Thanksgiving Day holiday, some of the Hudson Reporter newspapers will have special advertising deadlines.

For The Secaucus Reporter, The North Bergen Reporter, The Union City Reporter, The West New York Reporter, and The Weehawken Reporter, the deadline for classified and display advertising is Tuesday, Nov. 20, at noon.

The Hoboken Reporter and Jersey City Reporter deadline for classified is also Tuesday, Nov. 20, at noon, and the deadline for display advertising is Wednesday, Nov. 21, at noon.

The office will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 22, for the holiday. It will reopen on Friday, Nov. 23. If you have questions about these deadlines or any other issue, please call (201) 798-7800. Also check www.hudsonreporter.com.

Firefighters take to the streets for local ‘Boot Drive’

The Secaucus Fire Department on Nov. 18 will lead a “Boot Drive” to help support fire departments in South Jersey that were severely affected by Hurricane Sandy. The drive takes place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Firefighters from the five local firehouses will be stationed at different street intersections to collect donations in their fire boots. They will be located along Paterson Plank Road, Meadowlands Parkway at the Route 3E exit ramp, and in the Harmon Meadow Area.

All funds collected go directly toward supporting fire companies that lost fire apparatus, gear, equipment, and suffered damage to their fire houses as a result of the hurricane.

Stress management and trauma relief workshop at library

The Secaucus Public Library will host a stress management and trauma relief workshop at 7 p.m. on Nov. 27. The adult workshop will help residents who are coping with the effects of Hurricane Sandy deal with stress and trauma. It will be conducted by Ritu Dey from the Art of Living nonprofit, a partner of the International Association of Human Values. For more information, call (201) 330-2083.

Vitamin World and Hartz Mountain locked in a legal battle

Hudson County Superior Court Judge Peter F. Bariso Jr. last week extended a stay on Hartz Mountain’s demolition activity at Vitamin World’s property at the Harmon Cove Outlet Center through Nov. 14, after the company sued for allegedly being locked out without notice from the property, according to NJBIZ.

Citing a reduction in operating stores from over 40 to just four, Hartz Mountain Industries announced in a press statement last month that it closed the Harmon Cove Outlet Center in Secaucus after nearly 30 years of operation. They listed a number of companies that had been or were relocating such as Children’s Place, Prato Men’s Wear Outlet, Gymboree, Van Heusen and Bass. However, Vitamin World, which had a lease until July 31, 2015, alleges Hartz Mountain barricaded Harmon Cove before the mall was scheduled to open on Sept. 29 and then sent out a letter on Oct. 9 that said further access was denied to prepare for the demolition of the interior of the building, according to the news report.

According to the article, Attorney Loryn P. Riggiola, who represents Vitamin World, said the court issued a temporary restraining order on Hartz Mountain on Oct. 19. Although the court lifted the restraint on Oct. 25, it put a stay on that action that held off demolition through Oct. 31. However, Vitamin World said the courts were closed during Hurricane Sandy when they sought to extend the restraint, and alleges Hartz Mountain proceeded with demolition work of the Vitamin World property. Vitamin World ultimately seeks to restore the property to its original condition.

MDEST12 event rescheduled and refocused The Meadowlands Liberty Convention and Visitors Bureau has rescheduled mdest12 for Nov. 19, and a session titled “From Super Zone to Recovery Zone” has been added to help businesses throughout the state begin the recovery process from Hurricane Sandy while simultaneously getting ready for big ticket events including the Super Bowl. It will also feature sessions by WNBC’s Brian Thompson and NJBiz’s Sharon Waters with this season’s Super Bowl host, Jeff Anding, director of external affairs for the New Orleans CVB, last season’s host, Susie Townsend, vice president of visitor services for “Visit Indy,” and a panel of leading travel and tourism executives from the region and the nation. The conference will take place at the Sheraton Meadowlands in East Rutherford. To register, go to: www.mlcvb.com/mdest12.

MHMC launches appointment booking online

DocASAP, the online appointment scheduling service preferred by health care provider groups, announced last month that it signed an agreement with Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center (MHMC) to provide its doctors and patients free online appointment scheduling, ratings and reviews. Patients can now book appointment times online and get reminders by email and text.

The service, available online now, will make it easier than ever for MHMC patients to access the care they need more quickly. For MHMC doctors, DocASAP offers an opportunity to reduce inefficiencies by filling open appointments while enhancing their online presence.

Available in the Mid-Atlantic region and growing nationally through provider networks and individual practices, DocASAP also provides patients access to comprehensive practice and provider profiles including ratings, reviews, education, board certifications, awards, professional statements, provider photos and more to connect them with the right doctor in a timely manner. DocASAP gives patients a more convenient experience while increasing efficiency and utilization for doctors’ practices. For more information: visit http://www.DocASAP.com

Philippine Chamber Rondalla Concert at library

The Philippine Chamber Rondalla of NJ will perform on Dec. 1 at the Secaucus Public Library. The concert, which includes traditional Philippine and Spanish music as well as popular classical and holiday music, begins at 2 p.m. Seating will be limited. To register, call (201) 330-2083 or email: may@bccls.org.

Needlework Round Table meets monthly

The Secaucus Public Library hosts the Needlework Round Table at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Facilitated by Mary Ellen Aluotto, the group brings together adult individuals working on knitting, crocheting, embroidering, quilting, needlepoint and other handwork projects to share ideas. It is not an instructional workshop for beginners but rather for experienced crafters to talk, share ideas and pick-up helpful hints. For more info: contact (201) 330-2083.

Free holiday parking

Parking meters have been suspended on Saturdays throughout the month of December to allow greater convenience for holiday shoppers.